It’s time to fiesta!

tulare county – Cinco de Mayo, the 5th of May, means its fiesta time all over the county. From historical parades to mouthwatering meals and drink specials, communities will celebrate in their own style. Grab an ice-cold margarita and grab your zapatos baile and visit one of these celebrations.

Thursday, May 4

Exeter Chamber of Commerce invites the community to an After Hours Mixer from 5-6:30 p.m. hosted by Avedian-Heaton Properties located in the Monarch Plaza Courtyard at 502 N. Kaweah Ave. in Exeter. Stop by or come and stay the whole time and enjoy music, merriment, taco truck and refreshing drinks. This is a great networking event and an opportunity to “Grow your Business.” All are welcome and invited to come out and network. For more info., contact the Exeter Chamber of Commerce at 592-2919 or email chamber@exeterchamber.com.

Friday, May 5

Visalia Senior Center hosts a Cinco De Mayo Luncheon from 12- 1 p.m at the Visalia Senior Center 310 N. Locust St. Meal cost:$4 per meal 55 yrs or $5 per meal – guest under 55 or take-out meals. Come for the food and stay for the fun! Reserve your lunch by 12 p.m. the prior day by calling 713-4365.

Tulare-Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (TKHCC) will also be hosting a downtown celebration in Visalia. Starting at 5:30 p.m., at the Old Lumber Yard, 300 East Oak St., two live bands, food booths and drink specials will be popping for the 21 and older. Senoritas and senors can purchase 5 beers for $20 or 3 margaritas for $20. Tickets can be purchased at the TKHCC office or by calling 734-6020.

Come Dance Away Hunger at the 9th Annual Zumba Drive! Join for a 90 minute Zumba class taught by local Zumba Instructors and dance to support life change at Visalia Rescue Mission! Use your moves for a great cause at this 9th annual event! Your favorite, licensed Zumba® instructors will be on stage with a live DJ at VRM’s Community Center, 741 North Santa Fe Street in Visalia. Cost: $7 advance/$10 at the door. Doors open at 6 p.m. and Zumba starts at 6:30 p.m.

The Tulare Kings California Women in Agriculture (CWA) is hosting a fiesta fundraising event at the Koetsier Ranch, 8230 Avenue 272 in Visalia. Social begins at 6 p.m. and dinner starts at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $50 or a table of 8 for $400.

The Cellar Door features Latin grooves by Mezcal Music. Doors open at 8 p.m. and show begins at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 for the 21 and older.

Saturday, May 6

Porterville’s 90th Annual Cinco de Mayo parade will start at 10 a.m. and will be rolling down Main Street. In their effort to achieve unity in the community, the parade’s theme is “United We Are Stronger.” The parade will consist of many different forms of entertainment such as the 2017 Cinco de Mayo queen and royalty float, a Danza Azteca ceremony, color guard, colorful floats, dance groups, local school bands, Mariachi and Banda music, mounted entries, Mexican folklore, decorated cars, clubs and many other surprises. Amongst all the entertainment, the parade will honor its Cinco de Mayo grand marshals.

Tulare’s annual Land O Lakes Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Zumwalt Park in downtown Tulare will feature a beer garden, vendors, bounce houses and live music. Games and contests including piñatas-grit contest, talent and essay contests. And there’s even, a best-dressed Chihuahua contest. Event starts at 8 p.m. For more info, visit www.tularedowntown.com.

Saturday, May 6Grab a team of friends, family or co-workers and play some softball! The City of Visalia Parks & Recreation Department will host a Cinco de Mayo 2-day softball tournament at Plaza Park. Both Men’s and Co-ed divisions will be offered in this round robin formatted tournament. Tournaments are affiliated with the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA). Ages: 18 yrs + Divisions: Men’s & Co-Ed Location: Plaza Park Cost: $180 per team. For more info, visit www.liveandplayvisalia.com.

Sunday, May 7

Woodlake Lions Club hosts a Cinco De Mayo Festival at the Miller Brown Park in the new plaza, 179 N. Magnolia St. in Woodlake. From 5-10 p.m., live music, food, drinks and a good time for the whole family!

The City of Visalia Parks & Recreation Department will host a Cinco de Mayo softball tournament at Plaza Park. Both Men’s and Co-ed divisions will be offered in this round robin formatted tournament. Tournaments are affiliated with the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA). Ages: 18 yrs + Divisions: Men’s & Co-Ed Location: Plaza Park Cost: $180 per team. For more info, visit www.liveandplayvisalia.com.